CPMR Vice-President Rogier Van Der Sande reminded Vice-President of the European Commission Jyrki Katainen about the vital role that regions play in fostering investment in the context of the implementation of the European Fund for Strategic Investment.

CPMR was invited to present its views on the Juncker Plan on the occasion of the Structured Dialogue with Associations organised by the Committee of the Regions on 22 April.

Mr Van Der Sande mentioned the importance of grants (such as EU structural funds) to help kick start long term investment projects and plug the funding gaps, particularly in regions which do not have the capacity to use financial instruments. Regions are the pillar of the EU investment policy and play a vital role in acting as a bridge between public and private investors.

He also pointed to the potential of the maritime industries as an example of a strategic sector worthy of support from the EU.